1871Royals Season Preview Part Four

Sheffield United

Neil Warnock's Sheffield United side last season struggled to break into the Play-Off places for most of the season and finished the campaign in eighth position. In an attempt to be strong next season Warnock has splashed the cash signing Paul Ifill from Millwall for £800,000 Lilian Nalis and the permanent signing of Danny Webber. On paper United have a good squad but with the strength of the Championship next season, United may find it a step too far to make the Play-Offs.

Sheffield United Ground Guide

Player To Look Out For - Michael Tonge

1871Royals Prediction - Mid table

Sheffield Wednesday

Sheffield Wednesday begun their comeback up the Leagues after winning the League One Play-Offs last season beating Hartlepool in the final. After years of doom and gloom at Hillsborough the smiles are starting to return at the Yorkshire club thanks to the tremendous job being done by manager Paul Sturrock. Not wanted by Southampton Sturrock's move to Wednesday saw a dramatic change in fortune as The Owls moved from a bottom half side into a promotion challenging side. Sturrock has added to his side over the summer with the signings of Graham Coughlan, Burton O'Brien and Drissa Diallo. The Owls are unlikely to be chasing a Play-Off place next season but expect Wednesday to consolidate their place in the Coca Cola Championship.

Sheffield Wednesday Ground Guide Currently Unavailable

Player To Look Out For - Jon-Paul McGovern

1871Royals Prediction - Bottom half

Southampton

Three managers in one season tells its own story and with the visit of Manchester United on the final day of the 04/05 Premiership season at St Marys, Harry Redknapp's task of keeping the Saints in the top flight of English football seemed extremely difficult and so it was as Southampton were relegated down to the Championship. Although many Southampton supporters want him to go, Chairman Rupert Lowe remains at the club and so does manager Harry Redknapp after hinting he may leave the club after the United defeat. Redknapp has so far managed to hang onto £8 million rated Peter Crouch and has also brought in the experienced Dennis Wise and Reading target Darren Powell on free transfers. The backroom staff has also been bolstered with Dave Bassett and Clive Woodward joining.

Southampton Ground Guide Currently Unavailable

Player To Look Out For - Peter Crouch

1871Royals Prediction - Top ten

Stoke City

Although steering Stoke to a mid table finish last season and being offered a new contract Tony Pulis was sacked as manager over the summer and replaced with Johan Boskamp. The reason for Pulis's sacking is believed to be his lack of signings from the foreign market. Stoke have lost defender Wayne Thomas who has joined Burnley along with Gifton Noel-Williams who as also signed for The Clarets. Peter Sweeney and Mamady Sidibe have moved to the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke City Ground Guide

Player To Look Out For - Peter Sweeney

1871Royals Prediction - Bottom half

Watford

Adrian Boothroyd took over as Watford manager towards the end of last season and managed to keep Watford in the Division although having a difficult start to life as manager at the club. The Hornets finished last season in 18th position and as a result of their poor form Ray Lewington was sacked as manager. Boothroyd will be hoping Watford can have a better campaign next season and in a bid to improve their fortunes he has signed Jordan Stewart from Leicester City, Junior and Marlon King on loan from Nottingham Forest. However Watford's top goalscorer from last season, Heidar Helguson has since moved onto new pastures joining Fulham.

Watford Ground Guide

Player To Look Out For - Marlon King

1871Royals Prediction - Bottom half

Wolverhampton Wanderers

It was a story of too many draws for Glenn Hoddle's side last season which stopped his Wolves side from making a charge for the Play-Offs. However optimism is high for next season at Molineux with many pundits tipping Wolves to finish in the automatic places. The club look set to hold onto striker Kenny Miller who Sunderland have had two bids turned down for and have strengthened the squad with the signing of Rohan Ricketts and another couple of new signings are expected before the start of the season. Henri Camera has returned to the club after being loaned out to Celtic and Southampton last season and looks set to be part of Hoddle's plans for the forthcoming season.

Wolverhampton Ground Guide

Player To Look Out For - Carl Cort

1871Royals Prediction - Top two